Ted Sorosky holds his 15-month-old granddaughter McKayla Morrow for a better view of the Christmas lights on the 96-foot Christmas tree at South Coast Plaza during the annual tree lighting ceremony. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Deann Collins and son Tyler take in the Christmas lights on the 96-foot Christmas tree at South Coast Plaza during Thursday night's annual tree lighting. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

South Coast Plaza's 96-foot Christmas tree, with 20,000 lights, was lit for the first time this season during the annual lighting ceremony on Thursday. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Despite a few showers it was a full house for South Coast Plaza's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and performances by students from the Orange County High School of the Arts Thursday evening. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Santa Claus shares the stage with students from the Orange County High School of the Arts and members of the Segerstrom family during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony of South Coast Plaza's 96-foot Christmas tree. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Santa Claus shares the stage with members of the Segerstrom family during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony of South Coast Plaza's Christmas tree. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

As the temperature dipped into the 50s and the rain fell, people of all ages arrived at Town Center Park on Thursday night bundled in coats, scarves, vests and boots, all intent on witnessing the annual Christmas tree lighting and catching a glimpse of Santa Claus’ arrival to South Coast Plaza.

Those who arrived early received complimentary Santa hats, holiday pins and candy canes. Warm apple cider and Christmas cookies were also provided.

The tree, adorned with over 20,000 lights, was lit by grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Segerstrom family.

“Our organization is a family organization so traditions like this tonight are really important for us, for our family,” said Stan Taeger, South Coast Plaza’s Director of Property Management, to a crowd of about 3,000. He then introduced Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) students to the stage.

OCSA provided much of the zest at the event, performing classic holiday songs such as, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Fictitious snow fell throughout the performances, to the delight of many in the audience.

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